Yapton Facebook ‘faker’ ordered to pay costs

A Yapton woman who sold fake branded goods on Facebook has been ordered to pay costs and fines totalling more than £2,700.

West Sussex Trading Standards officers received an anonymous tip off that Roxanne Edwards, 25, was selling counterfeit boots online.

Officers purchased a pair of imitation Timberland boots through Facebook and arranged to meet Edwards, of Burndell Road, Yapton, at her home to collect them.

Trading standards then alerted the police who seized large quantities of counterfeit goods, laptops, a mobile phone and a notebook containing her orders from her house.

The seized items included Converse, Timberland and Ugg footwear and a Mulberry handbag, which were confirmed by the trade mark holders to be counterfeit.

Edwards pleaded guilty to five charges under the Trade Marks Act 1994 at Worthing Magistrates Court.

Richard Sargeant, Team Manager for Trading Standards, said: “Selling fake goods is a serious crime, as well as being extremely unfair on the customer.

“Buying from a reputable seller will guarantee a genuine product, and will help local businesses that trade legally.”

David Barling, West Sussex County Council cabinet member with responsibility for public protection, added: “Selling counterfeit goods to con innocent people out of their money is dishonest and unacceptable.

“We hope this sends out a strong message that if you sell fake goods, you will be caught and you will be taken to court.”

Anyone with information about counterfeit goods sellers can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506 or can report details online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/TSreport.

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